Lewis County Lodging Tax Grant

The Lewis County Lodging Tax Grant is administered by the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The program is funded through lodging tax revenues and is intended to support tourism promotion activities within the unincorporated areas of Lewis County, Washington. The funding aligns with the statutory definition of tourism promotion under RCW 67.28.080, which includes activities designed to attract visitors and increase overnight stays. The grant is offered annually as part of the county’s budgeting process, with funds allocated for the 2027 budget year through the current application cycle. The primary purpose of the grant is to increase tourism and economic activity by supporting marketing, events, and infrastructure that attract visitors from outside the region. Eligible uses of funds include tourism marketing campaigns, advertising, and promotional strategies; marketing and operations of festivals and special events designed to draw tourists; and operational costs for tourism-related facilities. Capital expenditures are limited to facilities owned or operated by municipalities or public facilities districts, while nonprofit organizations may only use funds for operational expenses and not capital projects. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur costs before requesting reimbursement and must provide detailed documentation to access awarded funds. Eligibility for the program is limited to specific organizational types, including convention and visitors bureaus, destination marketing organizations, nonprofit entities such as chambers of commerce and lodging associations, and municipalities including cities, towns, and counties. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities will promote tourism and generate measurable outcomes, particularly increased overnight stays or “heads in beds.” Organizations must also provide documentation verifying their legal and financial standing, including IRS nonprofit status where applicable, and must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The application process is conducted through an online form and requires comprehensive organizational, financial, and project-specific information. Applicants must submit detailed financial statements, including a balance sheet, income statement, current operating budget, and projected budget. Additional required materials include a personnel list, proof of nonprofit status if applicable, and detailed responses to project evaluation questions. These questions assess the applicant’s ability to promote tourism, collaborate with regional partners, generate economic impact, and deliver measurable results. Applicants must also provide analytics data such as website traffic, audience reach, and lodging referral metrics to demonstrate their effectiveness in attracting visitors. As part of the evaluation process, applicants are required to present their proposals in person to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Presentations are scheduled for mid-October following the application deadline and include a brief presentation period followed by a question-and-answer session. The committee evaluates applications based on their alignment with tourism promotion goals, demonstrated impact on overnight visitation, and overall contribution to the county’s tourism strategy. Final funding decisions are made after these evaluations and incorporated into the county’s annual budget. The application deadline for the 2027 funding cycle is September 30, 2026, at 4 p.m., and late submissions are not considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring timely submission and accurate contact information. Following submission, applicants will be contacted regarding presentation scheduling and any additional requirements, such as submission of presentation materials. Awardees may be required to provide additional documentation, including a W-9 form, before receiving funds. The program operates on an annual cycle, indicating recurring funding opportunities in subsequent years.

Focus on demonstrating measurable tourism impact and overnight stays; provide strong analytics and collaboration evidence; ensure complete financial documentation